Explore the Arts

Anacortes is well-known for its plethora of artists who call the town home. From galleries to performing arts to public art sculptures, there’s much to see here.

For specific locations and events, check the websites of the various organizations for schedules and pandemic restrictions.

Public art

Along the streets of Anacortes are numerous murals and sculptures, available any time and in any weather.

In the roundabout where Highway 20 turns onto Commercial Avenue entering town, stands a large bird nest sculpture called “Aerie.”

One of the newest additions is “Three Sails,” a sculpture the doubles as a welcome sign near the Anacortes ferry terminal.

Murals appear in various places, including along the Tommy Thompson Trail, including two stainless steel joggers created by Ken Turner of Seattle and a series of murals completed by featured artists at the Anacortes Arts Festival.

The “Lady of the Sea” statue stands watch over Cap Sante Marina, along with the Seafarers’ Memorial. Nearby is the bronze orca fin called “Annie Curtis,” created by Gerard Tsutakawa.

Other popular pieces include “Windsong,” a Leo Osborne bronze at Kiwanis Waterfront Park near the Guemes Ferry Terminal, “The Bird Family,” a Philip McCracken bronze at the post office downtown, “How Much Longer” by Peregrine O’Gormley at Fourth Avenue and O Street and “The Leaking Vase” by Andries Lukas Breedt at the N Street Park.

On the south side of the Wilson Hotel on Eighth Street, there is Anne Curtis Bowman (the city’s namesake and wife of city founder Amos Bowman) painted by Swedish artist Lisa Liedgren in 2007.

Even the garbage cans offer an artistic touch.

Cans downtown pay homage to 11 salmon canneries that operated here in the early 1900s with paintings of early salmon labels wrapped around each can.

Visit anacortesartscommission.com to see the location of permanent pieces and what’s new. Maps are at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center on Commercial Avenue.

Windsong, A stAtue At KiWAnis WAterfront PArK, contributed by jAcK hArtt

Murals

Murals depicting some of Anacortes’ most colorful residents of the past were created, starting in 1984, by Anacortes artist Bill Mitchell. He died in 2019, but his murals remain, including one of himself in his trademark three-wheeled 1954 Autoette near the corner of Fifth Street